It is the perfect time of year for homeowners to button up their homes and prepare for the cold winter months ahead. United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc., advises homeowners looking to make their home more comfortable while lowering their energy bills to sign up for the Home Energy SolutionsSM program.
Home Energy Solutions offers on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services to homeowners and renters for immediate savings, as well as incentives and additional resources to further reduce energy use. A home energy assessment is a “physical checkup” determining how much energy a home uses, and is recommended for anyone looking to lower their monthly home energy bills.
“A home energy assessment is highly recommended for anyone looking to make their home safer and more comfortable while lowering their energy costs,” said Elizabeth Murphy, Home Energy Solutions program manager, United Illuminating. “Certified technicians perform a comprehensive analysis of the home, looking at the home’s major sources of energy use, while conducting diagnostic testing to ensure all of the home’s systems are performing safely and efficiently.”
Home Energy Solutions services are provided for a co-pay of only $124, and feature an average of $1000 worth of services including:
• Comprehensive energy assessment
• Diagnostic testing
• Blower door guided air sealing, and duct sealing
• Installation of high-efficiency LEDS
• Installation of water-saving products like low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and hot water pipe wrap
• Educational tips on how to further reduce home energy costs
• Information on rebates and financing for additional upgrades including insulation, windows, appliances and heating and cooling equipment as applicable
• Health and safety testing and review of heating and cooling systems
• Department of Energy Home Energy Score, which rates your home based on energy consumption
By participating in the program, homeowners are advised of additional measures that can make their home perform at the highest level of efficiency and save them even more money.
For example, sealing leaks and adding insulation are two of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Nearly half of a home’s heat loss is due to poorly insulated attics, ceilings, and walls. Combining insulation with air sealing helps keep the heat in your home from escaping into your attic, which can greatly reduce energy use and the formation of ice dams during the cold winter months.
“Customers can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 percent annually by installing insulation and properly air sealing the home,” added Murphy. “Implementing these measures will not only help homeowners save money and improve the overall comfort of their home, it will also help to reduce the occurrence of many common problems homeowners face, such as:
·Ice damming
·Noise from outside
·Pollen and dust, creating a healthier environment
·Humidity control to provide greater comfort
For more information on energy-saving programs and financing options provided through the Energize Connecticut initiative, call 877-WISE-USE or visit energizect.com.